12 Jun THE HUMAN CANINE BOND IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

The first thing everyone asks you when your dog dies is ‘Do you think you’ll get another one?’. Just to put it out there, this is probably THE WORST question you can ask anyone who is deeply grieving the loss of their dog. It’s kind of like saying to a parent who has just lost a child ’Do you think you’ll have another one? (only people who are totally in love with their dog will get what I mean by this).

I don’t know if this question is so commonly asked because people think it will make you feel better or exactly what response is anticipated? How about …’Yes of course I’ll get another one! I’ve contacted some breeders today and I should have a replacement tomorrow. I think I’ll just make things easier and call him Hugo’.
Ok. I think you get my point here.

My beautiful Frenchie Hugo sadly died last year of old age. He was nearly 15 years old. I got sweet little Hugo when he was just 10 weeks old. At the time I was living in England and when I relocated to Brisbane, Australia of course Hugo came too. Relationships, friends and even family members come and go. Hugo was my ‘main man’ and my one ‘constant’ for the last 15 years.

It’s now been 14 months since Hugo sadly left my life. I’ve told all my friends and family that I won’t be getting another dog for reasons like, I could never go through this pain again and how uncomplicated my life is now without a dog.

That was until last Friday.

I was sitting home working on my pet supplement business Petvim and suddenly something changed in me. I don’t know what it was but all I knew was that I wanted another dog.

I even know what I’ll call him.

And YES, it will be another male French Bulldog, as personally I think they are the best dogs ever! And NO, he will not be called Hugo or will he ever replace him. I’ve pretty much settled on the name GUSTAV. What do you think?

I realize having another dog, or puppy for that matter, is going to really complicate my life. For instance, if I want to go to Sydney for the weekend ..who is going to look after Gustav? How frustrated I will be when my cream rugs get destroyed (again) with puppy pee and poo. And the guilt I’ll feel when I’m racing out the door and catch a glimpse of those sad eyes, desperate with worry because I’m leaving him. Not to mention the Body Corporate!

I’ve decided the joy and unconditional love you get from a pet, far far outweighs any of the negatives. So…I’m going to take the plunge, complicate my life and get another Frenchie.

The search begins….watch this space !

AM I DOING THE RIGHT THING ??? Please please send me your comments on Facebook PETVIM as I’d love to hear what you think !

Gabrielle Amies – Managing Director, Petvim Australia